In this new series, I’m going to be exploring some extraordinary sacred objects. These objects are all part of my private collection. The myths connected with them will be unravelled. I will also be looking at what they mean to me on a personal level. Part One regards a Lapis Lazuli statue of Ganesha.
Sacred Objects: Ganesha
Journeying
I have mentioned briefly in previous blogs about my first encounter with Ganesha, so please forgive me if there is a little necessary repetition.
Journeying was fairly new to me back then (see my previous blog series, Journeying for Newbies, for information about how to journey, via the link here). I asked my Animal Spirit, Wolf (see my previous blog series, Animal Spirits for Newbies, for information about Animal Spirits, via the link here), about some difficulties I was having communicating with my father.
In response, Wolf merely showed me an image of Ganesha.
Ganesha
Despite being one of the best-known deities of the Hindu pantheon, other than knowing he was elephant-headed, I knew very little about Ganesha. I was astonished, however, to discover that investigating him brought all sorts of answers to my question.
I have come to realise that this is a particular joy of journeying – the more you research, the more answers to your question you uncover. So, what at first had seemed a simplistic response from Wolf, was actually astonishingly complex. It quickly became clear that, with journeying, the deeper down the rabbit hole you descend, the more is revealed to you!
On the most superficial level, what could I learn from the image? Well, he had large ears and a small mouth – indications to listen more and talk less!
Remover of Obstacles
More answers were provided by reading up on what Ganesha was ‘the god of’. Thus, I learned about the worship of Ganesha as the ‘Remover of Obstacles’. Then I had to wonder, did I place obstacles in my own way, when communicating with Dad?
Ganesha is also the god of beginnings. So here was an indication that I was entering a new period of communication with my father.
Finally, some legends said that it was Ganesha’s father who decapitated him and gave him his elephant’s head. Thus, I thought it was safe to assume that his appearance was also highlighting a certain ‘dislocation’ in father-son relations!
Blue
When I thought back to the image Wolf had shown me, I recalled that Ganesha had been blue in colour. This is not unknown, although he is more commonly depicted as red. I recalled, however, that Ganesha had been pointing insistently to a blue jewel at his throat. It was as if he was drawing attention to the colour.
I read of a legend that told of Shiva poisoning Ganesha, which turned him blue. Further indications that our relationship might be a bit ‘poisoned’. I also surmised that I was blaming my Dad for the difficulties. Whereas perhaps I ought to be examining myself a bit?
Here’s a curious thing, though – in researching this article that you are reading now, I can find no reference to this particular legend at all!
I guess that I needed that information at the time but, feeling much closer to my Dad now, the reference has vanished. I’m not saying that the legend does not exist, I’m just saying that what you reveal and when has significance.
Trust, when you are interpreting your journey, that what you need will show up!
Throat Chakra
I felt that I had discovered all that I could, until I happened to relate the story to my friend and fellow shaman, Susan Earl. Susan pointed out that blue is also the colour of the throat chakra, which I had completely overlooked.
I realised that the placement of Ganesha’s jewel, right at his throat, the jewel’s colour and the unusual colour of Ganesha’s body were all serving to highlight the importance of the throat chakra. When that sort of repetition happens, I find it’s important to take note!
I interpreted this as a need to ‘find my voice’ when speaking to my father. A piece of advice which has served me very well.
There were further revelations which I do not need to detail. I hope, however, that this serves as an example of how a simple image can reveal a myriad of answers when journeying. You just have to dig a little deeper!
The Object
Having discovered that Ganesha was the ‘Remover of Obstacles’, I thought that purchasing a statue might aid my writer’s block. I also knew that I wanted a blue statue, echoing the image I had seen on my journey.
Scouring a few places, I eventually found exactly what I was looking for in the treasure trove of objects at Watkins Books. Watkins, at 21 Cecil Court, is London’s oldest esoteric bookshop. The Black Magician, Aleister Crowley, once claimed to have vanished and brought back their entire stock!
This particular Ganesha was resplendent in lapis lazuli. A beautiful blue stone, which Michelangelo ground up to use in his Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes.
I knew it to be a stone of protection, which seemed a useful additional property. It is always good to possess objects which limit the effects of negative energy! I have since learned that it can also encourage a possessor to take charge of their own life.
Final Revelations
What I did not realise was that, in all my research, I had not read the small print!
Ganesha, as well as being a remover of obstacles, also puts obstacles in people’s way! So, I am not sure that my beautiful friend has ever really assisted my writer’s block. Eventually, I moved him out of my office and into my lounge, primarily so I could look at him more often.
Incidentally, things between my Dad and I are much improved. I think we understand each other a little better and that we are less guarded with one another. In addition, a recent shared passion for photography has provided a new and beautiful connection.
Thanks, Ganesha!